People with ginger hair often face prejudice and myth. Here, we examine some facts and fiction surrounding this unique hair color.
What is a redhead?
Red hair is a naturally occurring hue found among 1-2% of the population, most commonly in people of Northern European ancestry but visible among all ethnic groups. Shades vary among redheads; strawberry blonde and classic red are popular options, while ginger represents more orange tones between strawberry blonde and classic red shades.
Red hair stands out among other colors by not fading to grey over time due to melanin being less stable; melanin production relies on melanocortin 1 receptor protein; people who possess two copies of this gene have greater chances of red locks.
People with red hair tend to have fair skin and freckles, making them at greater risk for sunburn and skin cancer. Furthermore, they might experience pain differently or appear to age faster than their peers.
Redheads in Europe
Irish redheads boast one of the highest concentrations of gingers across Europe and have even celebrated Roodharigendag to honor them! Scottish redheads number in their hundreds; Edinburgh even claims to be the world’s “redhead capital”. Other European countries with high concentrations of gingers include Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, and Belgium – although most people with this gene belong to Celtic nations, it may also occur among Polynesians or Ashkenazi Jews.
Since immemorial, those with red hair have been subject to discrimination and stereotypes. From witches, werewolves, and vampires to being labeled as libidinous and temperamental, Cleopatra, Rurik (the Viking who founded Russia), Queen Elizabeth I, Mark Twain, Genghis Khan, and Winston Churchill are just a few notable redheads who were known as gingers; there’s even been speculation that redheads may even have descended from cats due to having higher concentrations of the pheomelanin pigment which helps absorb UVB light while producing vitamin D production in skin cells.
Redheads in Asia
Famous redheads around the world range from Madelaine Petsch of Riverdale to Christina Hendricks from Mad Men. Red hair isn’t limited to Europeans; many Asians proudly sport fiery locks.
However, redheads are most prevalent in Northern Europe – particularly Scotland and Ireland. According to research, the same gene mutation that leads to ginger hair also impacts pain receptors, making gingers more sensitive to temperature changes and possibly necessitating more anesthesia during dental or medical procedures.
Like other hair colors, red has multiple hues, from strawberry blonde to dark auburn, and fades naturally to soft rose gold before eventually turning completely white. Unlike most other shades, however, gingers don’t tend to go bald and don’t require unique products or dyes to maintain the vibrant hue – though, on average, they tend to have less hair than blondes and brunettes.
Redheads in Africa
Though redheads exist in Africa, they are extremely rare. Since red hair is caused by a recessive gene called MC1R, both parents must carry this trait for their offspring to have red locks and eyes.
One tribe with red hair, skin, and eyes in Africa is Himba women from Namibia. Their long red matted braids contain animal fat and ground ochre; their bee-attracting hue draws bees into tribal rituals as part of its culture.
Like other people, gingers in Africa face stereotypes and prejudice. Extreme gingerism claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in 15th-century Europe; those with ginger hair are also at increased risk for skin cancer due to a lack of melanin pigment, burning much quicker and more severely under sunlight than their counterparts.
Ginger-haired individuals tend to be left-handed due to recessive traits combining in pairs.
